Facelift Chicago

A facelift also known as a Rhytidectomy is a facial surgical procedure performed to reposition sagging skin and tighten the underlying muscles in the face and neck areas such as jowls. It is commonly performed on patients over age 40 to refine the overall appearance and create a youthful, rested, attractive look.

Rhytidectomy helps eliminate fine forehead lines, loose neck and face skin, and crow’s feet. It can also reduce a loose, sagging jowl and bring definition back to the area between the neck and chin. The results are a smoother, younger looking face and a reduction in premature signs of aging.

It can also reduce a loose, sagging jowl and bring definition back to the area between the neck and chin. The results are a smoother, younger looking face and a reduction in premature signs of aging, such as fine forehead lines, a loose neck and crows feet.

Full Face-lift

In a full face-lift, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the hairline beginning at the temples running all the way from the ears than to the hairline on the backside. The incision allows the surgeon to lift the facial skin separating it from the underlying muscles. This is done towards the cheeks, chin and the neck areas where the surgeon tightens the underlying muscles before repositioning the facial skin. After sliding on the facial skin, the excess part of it is trimmed off along the incision. The surgeon then closes the incision with stitches before dressings are applied.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift that is also known as a short scar face lift, involves a shorter incision whose location may slightly vary depending on the exact area on the face targeted for correction. The shorter incision may not allow the surgeon to access a larger area on the face, so this procedure is recommended for younger patients who may not have severe facial skin sagging or loose appearance. However, the results of this procedure may not last as long as the results you can expect with the traditional facelift. A mini facelift offers the advantages of a shorter downtime and lower cost.

Am I a candidate?

If your facial skin appears sagging or loose, you may be a good candidate for a facelift surgery. The doctor can examine you to determine if you need a full or a mini facelift procedure to address those aging signs. If the aging signs on your face, chin and neck areas cannot be reduced using dermal fillers, the doctor is likely to recommend this procedure. You should be in good health without any medical conditions that can increase risks or result in serious complications with your surgery. You shouldn’t be a smoker, and the doctor may also request you to stop drinking alcohol some weeks before and after surgery.

Am I too young for this procedure?

The right time to undergo this surgery will be determined by your current facial appearance and your goals. Aging signs will show earlier in some people than in others. Some will have severe facial wrinkles and deep folds in their mid to late 30s while others may develop such signs at the age of 40 and above. You may opt for cosmetic dermal fillers to delay the time when you should go for a facelift surgery. But if the aging signs become severe too early, you may be forced to go for the surgery especially for reasons to do with your career or even to boost your self-confidence. So age is not the only factor to consider.

Preparing for this procedure

After the consultation process and agreeing with your surgeon at the appropriate time for the facelift surgery, you will be given instructions on what to do to prepare for the surgery. You may be asked to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications, herbal supplements or any medications that affect blood clotting or increase the risk of bleeding. You should also stop smoking and drinking alcohol two weeks before surgery or as advised by the doctor.

What to expect during surgery

You will be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia for your comfort during this procedure. The doctor usually recommends the best choice of anesthesia for you. The entire procedure may take about two hours or more depending on the surgical techniques used, and the change required. The procedure takes longer for male patients because the incision locations and other considerations are different from those of women patients.

Recovery

After surgery and an application of pressure bandages, you will be taken to a recovery room for some hours to recover from the effects of anesthesia. You may later be released to go home or may be hospitalized. The doctor gives specific instructions that you should follow to help speed up your recovery. Medications for pain relief or reducing the risk of infection may be prescribed for use until stitches are removed. You may resume normal activates after two weeks of undergoing a standard facelift, but the recovery period is shorter after a mini.

Will I have Scars

Facial scars are usually well hidden at the base of the hairline and the contours around the ears. For men, the risk of scarring is higher because the incision is placed in front of the ears to avoid sliding up hair-bearing skin into the ears.

Are there any risks involved?

Like any other cosmetic surgical procedure, this one has its own share of risks. Dr. Bloch will discuss all the possible risks with you during the consultation and explain all the measures taken to reduce or avoid the risks. Pressure bandaging is usually applied after surgery to reduce the risk of hematoma. The initial rest in a recovery room, prescription of medications and the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor, all help to minimize different risks.

If your considering getting a face lift, Dr. Bloch is conveniently located for residents of the North Shore area, Glencoe, Wilmette, Lake Forest, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Deerfield and surrounding areas in the Chicago metro area. For more information on Rhytidectomy contact Body by Bloch at 1-847-432-0840.